USAC Visiting Professors
University Studies Abroad Consortium (USAC) Visiting Professor Program
Visiting professors are selected from USAC consortium universities to teach on temporary bases on USAC programs abroad. Interested Cal Poly faculty should contact Stacey Shimizu, Assistant Director of the International Center (stshimiz@calpoly.edu). You can also contact USAC at visitingprofessors@usac.edu. If you are not a Cal Poly faculty member, you should contact the study abroad/international center at your own university.
Cal Poly faculty who have participated in the past have taught in the summer or during a sabbatical. USAC appoints faculty with the following academic qualifications:
- Full-time faculty members in good standing at a USAC Affiliate University
- Have at least a Master’s degree; preferably PhD/EdD or terminal degree
- Be teaching at their home university the semester prior to their Visiting Professorship with plans to return to teaching at their home university
- Experience teaching a relevant course in the humanities, social sciences, business, economics, tourism, education, environmental sciences, African studies, or biology (depending on USAC needs)
- Ability to offer at least one course that specifically relates to the teaching site, region or nation, or is clearly international in nature; the language of instruction may be English or the relevant foreign language (Spanish, French, etc.)
- Will have student evaluation summaries that reflect superior teaching abilities and written approval from their supervisor
- Are flexible regarding international living and working conditions and are enthusiastic about experiencing local culture with their students
- Are willing to contribute to the host university in addition to teaching the selected courses
- Are willing to publicize the opportunity to study abroad with them
Summer 2027 Options
Application Deadline: April 1, 2026
USAC has 28 visiting professor openings available for Summer 2027. Locations and specific courses have been pre-determined by USAC. All courses are taught in English and require a minimum enrollment of 5 students.
Visiting professors will receive a $6,000 stipend, CISI health insurance, and visa assistance. USAC will provide assistance on identifying housing, but visiting faculty are responsible for the cost of transportation, lodging, meals and incidentals.
USAC is seeking applicants to teach the following courses:
- Alicante, Spain - Summer Session 1 - Climate Resilience and Coastal Studies: The Mediterranean (GEOG/ANTH, 200-level)
- Bilbao, Spain - Summer Session 1 - International Marketing (MKT, 300-400-level)
- Bilbao, Spain - Summer Session 2 - Operations Management (MGT/SCM, 300-400-level)
- Chiang Mai, Thailand - Summer Session 2 - International Business Management (BUS/MGT, 300-400-level)
- Heredia, Costa Rica - Summer Session 1 - Foundations of Personal Wellness (CHS, 100-level)
- Heredia, Costa Rica - Summer Session 2 - Sports, Nutrition, Exercise, and Performance (CHS/KIN/NUTR, 400-level)
- Lyon, France - Summer Session 1 - French Arts and Architecture: Classical to Beaux Art (ART, 300-400-level)
- Lyon, France - Summer Session 2 - Words in Motion: Translating French for a Global World (FREN/WLL, 300-400-level)
- Pau, France - Summer Session 1 - Sustainability in France (GEOG/ENV/NRES, 300-400-level)
- Reggio Emilia - Summer Session 2 - Health and Wellness Communication (CHS/COM, 300-level)
- San Sebastian, Spain - Summer Session 1 - Food and Culture (ANTH/NUTR, 300-level)
- San Sebastian, Spain - Summer Session 2 - Positive Psychology (PSY, 300-level)
- Shanghai, China - Summer Session 1 - Digital Marketing (BUS/MKT, 400-level)
- Torino, Italy - International Strategic Management (BUS/MGT, 300-400-level)
- Torino, Italy - Summer Session 2 - International Sport Business (BUS/MGT, 300-400)
- Verona, Italy - Summer Session 1 - Food and Beverage Tourism (BUS/FAB/TCA, 300-400-level)
- Verona, Italy - Summer Session 2 - Luxury Brand Management (MGT, 300-400-level)
- Viterbo, Italy - Summer Session 1 - Food and Culture (ANTH/NUTR, 300-400-level)
- Viterbo, Italy - Summer Session 2 - Italian Renaissance Arts (ART/HIST, 300-level)
- Chengdu, China – Summer Session 2 - Food and Culture or related (ANTH/NUTR, 300-400-level)
- Chiang Mai, Thailand - Summer Session 1 - Comparative Health Issues and Systems or related (CHS, 300-400-level)
- Luneburg, Germany - Summer Session 1 - Sustainability in Germany or related (GEOG,ENV,NRES, 300-400-level)
- Prague, Czechia - Summer Session 1 - Business/Economy/Marketing (200-400-level)
- Prague, Czechia - Summer Session 2 - Health/Psychology/Sport Science (200-400-level)
- Reggio Emilia, Italy - Summer Session 1 - Psychology (300-400-level)
- Santiago, Chile - Summer Session 1 or 2 - Criminology/Criminal Justice (300-400-level course)
- Santiago, Chile - Summer Session 1 or 2 - International/Cross-Cultural Journalism or Communication (300-400-level)
- Shanghai, China - Summer Session 2 - Global Economics/International Business/Cross-Cultural Management (300-400-level)
To Apply
Interested Cal Poly faculty can access the USAC Visiting Professor application here and should also contact Stacey Shimizu in the International Center (stshimiz@calpoly.edu). You can also contact USAC at visitingprofessors@usac.edu.
USAC is offering an application webinar on Monday, February 9, 9:00-10:00am PST (register here). This will also be recorded.
Applicants are required to submit a document expressing approval from both their department chair/dean and the International Center. A template for the departmental statement can be found in the online application.
A major consideration will be the degree to which faculty can/will recruit students for the program and demonstration of prior success in recruiting students for similar opportunities.
The International Center will be copied on acknowledgement emails to applicants and will also be consulted before any offers are made to selected applicants.